How to Keep Your Dog Calm with All the Christmas Chaos

Hafez Mahjoob • 18 December 2025

How to Keep Your Dog Calm with All the Christmas Chaos

Christmas is a lovely time of year, family, friends, food, and celebrations. But for many dogs, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Changes in routine, visitors coming and going, noisy children, decorations, and late nights can all impact your dog’s behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

As a dog trainer, I see a spike in stress‑related behaviours every festive season. The good news? With a bit of planning, you can help your dog feel calm, safe, and settled while still enjoying Christmas.

1. Stick to a Routine (As Much as Possible)

Dogs thrive on predictability. During Christmas, routines often go out the window, but even small efforts help.

Try to keep consistent:

Walk times
Feeding times
Bedtime routines

If your schedule changes, aim to keep one or two anchors the same each day. This gives your dog a sense of stability in an otherwise busy environment.

2. Give Your Dog a Safe, Quiet Space

Visitors, doorbells, music, and excited children can be a lot for dogs.

Create a calm retreat area where your dog can relax undisturbed:

A crate (if your dog is crate‑trained)
A quiet room with a comfy bed
Background white noise or calming music

Make sure guests, especially children, understand that this space is off‑limits.

3. Manage Visitors & Excitement

Well‑meaning guests often want to greet, fuss, or hug your dog, which can increase stress.

Helpful tips:

Allow your dog to approach guests in their own time
Avoid forced interactions
Ask visitors to ignore your dog initially
Keep greetings calm and low‑key

For dogs who struggle, using leads, baby gates, or short breaks away from guests can make a huge difference.

4. Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise, especially when walks are shorter or weather‑dependent.

Great festive enrichment ideas:

Stuffed Kongs or lick mats
Snuffle mats or scatter feeding
Food puzzles
Short, fun training sessions (5–10 minutes)

Licking, sniffing, and problem‑solving all help reduce stress and promote calm behaviour.

5. Keep Walks Calm & Purposeful

Christmas walks can be busier than usual, with more people, dogs, and distractions.

Choose quieter routes where possible and focus on:

Sniffing opportunities
Loose‑lead walking
Calm engagement rather than distance

A relaxed 20‑minute sniff walk can be far more settling than a long, overstimulating one.

6. Watch for Signs of Stress

Dogs don’t always show stress in obvious ways.

Common stress signals include:

Yawning or lip‑licking
Pacing or restlessness
Hiding or avoiding people
Excessive barking
Destructive behaviour

If you notice these signs, reduce stimulation and give your dog space and downtime.

7. Don’t Forget Downtime

With all the excitement, dogs can easily become overtired, just like children.

Make sure your dog has:

Plenty of sleep
Calm periods during the day
Time away from guests and noise

A well‑rested dog is far more able to cope with festive chaos.

Final Thoughts

Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful for your dog. By maintaining routines, managing the environment, and meeting your dog’s emotional needs, you can help them feel safe and relaxed, and enjoy the festive season together.

If you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour during the holidays or would like personalised support, feel free to get in touch. A calm Christmas is possible, for both you and your dog

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Summer & UTIs in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

by H.Mahjoob • 20 June 2025

Summer & UTIs in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer can be a joyful time for both humans and dogs. But just like heatstroke or dehydration, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another hot-weather health concern dog owners need to be aware of. In this blog, we’ll cover: What UTIs are in dogs Why they’re more common in the summer Common signs to look out for How to prevent them What to do if your dog gets one What Is a UTI in Dogs? A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter your dog’s urinary system—most often the bladder or urethra. This can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and more serious issues if left untreated. While UTIs can happen year-round, summer increases the risk due to several factors such as: Less frequent urination (due to longer outdoor times or being left inside longer) Dehydration Higher bacterial growth in warm environments Why Summer Can Be a Risky Time Just like us, dogs can get dehydrated in the heat. Less water means less frequent urination, and that allows bacteria to linger in the bladder longer. Combine that with the increased time spent outdoors, rolling in grass, swimming in lakes or ponds, or simply getting dirtier—it creates a perfect storm for a potential UTI. Common Signs of a UTI in Dogs Keep an eye out for: Frequent urination or attempts to urinate with little output Accidents in the house (even for fully toilet-trained dogs) Straining or whimpering while peeing Blood in the urine (may appear pinkish) Strong-smelling urine Licking around the genital area Lethargy or seeming “off” If you notice any of these symptoms , it’s best to book a vet appointment right away. UTIs can become painful and may lead to more serious complications like bladder or kidney infections. Prevention Tips for Hot Weather You can do a lot to reduce the risk of summer UTIs with a few simple habits: 1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated Ensure fresh water is always available. Add wet food or a splash of water to meals if your dog isn’t drinking enough. 2. Encourage Frequent Bathroom Breaks Let your dog out regularly to prevent bacteria from building up in the bladder. Avoid holding urine for long periods. 3. Maintain Hygiene After Outdoor Activities Gently clean the genital area after swimming, rolling in mud, or exploring underbrush. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can help reduce bacteria. 4. Support a Healthy Immune System A balanced diet, probiotics, and regular vet check-ups help your dog stay healthy overall. Some natural supplements (like cranberry extract) may also help maintain urinary health—speak to your vet first. What to Do if Your Dog Gets a UTI If you suspect your dog has a UTI: Visit your vet . They’ll likely run a urine test to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, a course of antibiotics is typically prescribed. Follow all treatment instructions carefully, and make sure your dog finishes the full course. Keep your dog hydrated and encourage more potty breaks during recovery. Final Thoughts UTIs are uncomfortable but treatable, and in most cases, preventable with good hydration and hygiene , especially during the warmer months. A little extra care during the summer can go a long way in keeping your dog healthy, happy, and infection-free. If your dog is prone to UTIs or has had one before, speak to your vet about long-term management options. Prevention really is the best medicine—especially in the heat!

Summer Heat and Dog Walking: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

by H.Mahjoob • 6 May 2025

Summer Heat and Dog Walking: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Summer can be a great time to enjoy longer days and more outdoor adventures with your dog—but it also brings risks that every responsible dog owner should be aware of. High temperatures can be dangerous for dogs, especially during walks and playtime. In this blog, we’ll explore how to exercise your dog safely in the heat , what signs of overheating to look for, and practical tips to keep your dog cool and comfortable. 🐾 Why Heat Can Be Dangerous for Dogs Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Instead, they regulate body temperature primarily through panting and a small amount of sweating through their paw pads. In hot weather, this can be inefficient , leading to overheating or even heatstroke , which can be life-threatening. Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers), elderly dogs, puppies, and overweight dogs are at higher risk in hot weather. ✅ Best Practices for Walking Dogs in Summer 🌅 1. Walk Early or Late Aim for walks before 9 AM or after 6 PM when the temperature is cooler. Avoid walking during the midday sun (roughly 11 AM to 4 PM), especially on hot days. 🦶 2. Check the Pavement Asphalt and pavements can burn your dog’s paws. A quick test: place the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds —if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Opt for shaded grassy areas or woodland walks if possible. 💧 3. Hydration is Key Bring water and a portable dog bowl with you. Encourage short water breaks, especially after play or long walks. 🐕‍🦺 4. Shorten Walks & Monitor Activity Keep walks short and slow in high temperatures. Mental stimulation (e.g., sniffing or puzzle toys) can be a good substitute for long exercise. Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, stumbling , or vomiting. ❌ What to Avoid Never leave your dog in a car : Even with windows cracked, temperatures can become deadly within minutes. Avoid high-energy play during the heat of the day (fetch, running off-lead, etc.). Don’t shave double-coated dogs : Their coat helps regulate temperature; instead, groom regularly to remove loose hair. 🧊 Cool-Down Tips Frozen treats : Try making dog-friendly ice lollies with water, peanut butter, or dog-safe fruit like blueberries. Cooling mats or vests : These help absorb body heat and keep your dog comfortable after a walk. Paddling pools or hose play (if your dog enjoys it) can be a fun way to cool off. Indoor training games : On very hot days, skip the walk and do 10–15 minutes of enrichment indoors. 🚨 Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs (Act Immediately) If you notice any of the following, contact your vet immediately: Heavy, laboured panting Bright red gums or tongue Glazed eyes Rapid heart rate Vomiting or diarrhoea Weakness, collapse, or seizures Cool your dog with tepid water (not cold), offer small sips of water, and get to a vet urgently. 🐶 Summer Exercise Alternatives When it’s just too hot to go out, try: Scent games : Hide treats around the house for a mental workout. Interactive toys or puzzle feeders Basic training refreshers indoors—great for focus and bonding. ☀️ In Summary Enjoying summer with your dog is all about timing, preparation, and awareness . Adjust your routines, listen to your dog, and prioritise safety over exercise. By following the tips above, you'll keep your dog cool, healthy, and happy all summer long.